When my sister-in-law Tish showed me her blooming camellia bushes last November, she didn’t know she was helping me identify a small tree growing where I work near Atlanta. The 22-foot tall tree at work has blooms in November, exactly like those on Tish’s bushes. It surprised me to find that camellias can grow so large.
Camellias are in the tea family, Theaceae. Though Camellia sinensis is the camellia developed for most tea use, tea can be made from any camellia. The process of tea making is incredible, because it turns spring new growth leaves and buds that have no smell into flavorful, aromatic tea. To say production of tea 
is important is an understatement, as it is considered the second most widely consumed beverage worldwide, following only water.
Two camellia species are common in landscapes of the southeastern United States. The tree I identified at work is Camellia sasanqua. This tree begins blooming in early October, and it is pictured to the right in late November. What makes this tree popular is its abundant fragrant flowers, its t season of flowering, its hardiness, and its size which fits well in small gardens and landscapes. Another camellia variety, which is the most common, is Camellia japonica. An example of this tree is pictured next, and it was made near Marietta, GA in early February. This variety, 
which is Alabama’s state flower, has larger and showier flowers. It flowers in winter and early spring, has larger leaves, and can grow to twice the size of Camellia sasanqua.
The Camellia japonica is native to Japan and is one of Japan’s most famous flowering trees, which include the Yoshino flowering cherry, the Kanzan flowering cherry and the Japanese magnolia. The tree becomes somewhat conical in shape, and forms Camellia japonica woodlands in higher elevations of the Japanese archipelago. There, this tree typically grows as an understory to 20 feet tall and may occasionally grow to 36 feet or taller. In Japan, as in the United States, the 
tree is most valued for its 3- to 5-inch wide showy blossoms that bloom in winter and early spring. The next picture shows japonica blossoms, before a picture of sasanqua blossoms. These blossoms are usually not fragrant, and whole flowers fall on to the ground under the tree. Camellia sasanqua, on the other hand, produces 2 to 3- inch wide blossoms in October and November. Sasanqua blossoms are pretty with a delicate scent, and petals will be found fallen onto the ground under the tree. Though typically used as a bush or shrub, it is often found growing to 12 feet tall and occasionally to 25 feet tall. The tree’s form is pyramidal and somewhat conical. It is native to southern Japan, and it may be found forming camellia woodlands there. In Japan, the 
Camellia Sasanqua is considered to have more practical value than decorative. This is because its flowers are smaller than those of Camellia japonica, the cut flowers have a short life before shedding petals, its fragrant leaves may be used to make tea, and the tree’s seeds can be used to produce tea seed oil.
Camellia’s general features are interesting. Leaves are evergreen, and glossy dark green above and lighter green below. They are elliptical, with finely serrated margins and a pointed base and tip. The leaf base is attached to the branch by petioles up to ½ inches long. Camellia sasanqua leaves are 2 to 3 inches long, and tho
se of Camellia japonica are 3 to 5 inches long. Branches and trunk are brownish gray and smooth. Trees generally grow less than 12 inches per year, have much visual appeal as part of landscapes, and many are also suited for use as an espalier. Flowers generally have a central mass of bright yellow-anthered stamens that contrast with surrounding petals, and Camellia sasanqua has a mild fragrance to attract the few pollinating insects which are available in the fall- early winter blooming season. Camellia japonica flowers are larger and showier but with no fragrance. In their winter blooming season, they manage to attract small birds in native Japan. The fruit of all camellias is a dry capsule containing one or more brown seeds. 
If there is one seed, it is round. If more than one seed, the seeds appear conformed to each other appearing much like balloons pressed against each other.
I have observed something interesting on the large tree shown. This year, in late April and May which is not flowering season, I saw scattered on the tree what appeared to be very thick and fleshy leaves or flowers, and I could not tell which it was. They appeared succulent with no green coloring. I include pictures. Research uncovered that these were leaves infected with camellia leaf gall, caused by the fungus Exobasidium camelliae. This fungus infects only camellias, and especially sasanquas. 
Fungal spores can be observed coating much of the underside of the leaves. Removal and disposal of infected leaves before spores can spread via wind and rain can help reduce infection.
The camellia is yet another Japanese flowering tree that is enjoyed world-wide. The many available varieties and cultivars of camelias can 
give year-round color, texture and form to landscapes. Many enjoy crafting tea from its leaves, or just drinking its tea. I enjoy examining trees as interesting as the camellia.
To show a product of the camellia other than tea, with which most people are familiar, I show below an ad for camellia seed oil. This and similar items are available for purchase here through my participation in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Any purchase through this link helps maintain this website and is appreciated.
